How do I use a clothes iron in The Central African Republic?

Central African power outlet

Summary

Check that your clothes iron can handle the voltage in The Central African Republic:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use a suitable power adapter for The Central African Republic but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Central African power outlet, however this is substantially heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter will change the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in The Central African Republic, so please check that your power converter includes a power adapter for The Central African Republic otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts used in The Central African Republic you run the potential risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before using your clothes iron in The Central African Republic please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in The Central African Republic

Will my clothes iron work in The Central African Republic?

This will depend on if your clothes iron can handle the 220 volt power outlets used in The Central African Republic:

The Central African Republic power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in The Central African Republic?

The frequency of the current from a Central African power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

What is the mains voltage in The Central African Republic?

Power outlets in The Central African Republic are 220 volts.

Which travel adapter will you need to use a clothes iron in The Central African Republic?

Type C and E power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to use a clothes iron in The Central African Republic?

There are two different types of power outlets used in The Central African Republic, these are type E and C with the primary power outlets being type E:

  • Plug Type C - This unearthed wall outlet (called a Europlug) is recognised by the two round holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type E - The sunken round wall outlet (technically known as the type E power outlet or CEE 7/7 socket) can be recognised by the two large circular holes 19mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral plus a metal earth pin protruding from the top forming a triangle configuration.

A recommended travel adapter to bring for using a 220 volt clothes iron in The Central African Republic is a Type E power adapter - read the simple instructions below for full details of using a clothes iron in The Central African Republic with a power adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also have to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

How can you tell if your clothes iron is dual voltage?

A simple method to tell if your clothes iron supports a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or the base. This location might depend on the make or model of your clothes iron and could also state on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other models will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different regions depending on which country you are in.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in The Central African Republic then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Central African power outlet.
  • Single voltage might also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 220 volts used in a Central African power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in The Central African Republic.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in The Central African Republic or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to The Central African Republic with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in my carry on hand luggage to The Central African Republic?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline who is taking you to The Central African Republic will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also advices wrapping cables tightly around electronic items.

If you do intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for The Central African Republic

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter for The Central African Republic?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter for The Central African Republic?

A heavy and expensive power converter transforms the voltage of 220 volts from a Central African power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron, but a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet in The Central African Republic. [7] [AD]

Can you use your clothes iron with a voltage converter in The Central African Republic?

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in The Central African Republic. Travellers who want to bring their existing clothes iron can use a power converter, however it could be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also worth noting, a power converter is substantially bulkier and heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable for travelling. [7] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in The Central African Republic using a type C power adapter

How to power a clothes iron in The Central African Republic by using a two prong Type C travel adapter.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply - but if not then don't proceed as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some travel irons might usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting - please consult the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet which is used in The Central African Republic won't take the plug shape on your clothes iron you'll need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. The Type C plug adapter will convert plugs from other countries for a power outlet found in The Central African Republic by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the Central African power outlet. This ungrounded wall supply (called a Europlug or Type C power outlet [3]) is recognised by the two round holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Central African power outlet. You can now turn on your iron to use in The Central African Republic. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in The Central African Republic using a type C power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in The Central African Republic using a type E power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in The Central African Republic by using a Type E travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not continue as you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts, refer to the owners manual to find out where this switch is located.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet used in The Central African Republic isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your clothes iron you will need to bring a Type E plug adapter [6]. This power adapter will help adapt different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in The Central African Republic simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type E plug adapter and plugging it in the wall outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by the two adjacent holes where the twin plug outlet pins go and a long metal grounding pin protruding in the top forming a triangular pattern.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Central African power outlet. You can now turn on the iron for use in The Central African Republic. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in The Central African Republic using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org page about The Central African Republic
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. Type C plug adapter - An unearthed Europlug Type C travel adapter with two 4mm rounded pins placed 19mm apart, designed to fit a variety of sockets commonly used across Europe, including Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Croatia and Iceland..
  5. iec.ch - Type E power outlet
  6. Type E plug adapter - A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Ideal for use in the France, Belgium, Poland and several African nations..
  7. Power converter - Heavy-duty power converters are designed to convert voltage levels between different electrical standards, shifting between 110V/120V and 220V/240V with both 50Hz and 60Hz, often incorporating safety features such as fuse protection and circuit breakers..
  8. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  9. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  10. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  11. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.